User Guide
Page 4
... 3.6.1 CPU Configuration 3-31 3.6.2 PCH Configuration 3-34 3.6.3 PCH Storage Configuration 3-35 3.6.4 System Agent Configuration 3-37 3.6.5 USB Configuration 3-38 3.6.6 Platform Misc Configuration 3-39 3.6.7 Onboard Devices Configuration 3-41 3.6.8 APM Configuration 3-43 3.6.9 Network Stack Configuration 3-44 3.6.10 Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology 3-45 3.7 Monitor menu 3-46 3.8 Boot menu 3-51 3.9 Tool menu 3-57 3.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility 3-57...
... 3.6.1 CPU Configuration 3-31 3.6.2 PCH Configuration 3-34 3.6.3 PCH Storage Configuration 3-35 3.6.4 System Agent Configuration 3-37 3.6.5 USB Configuration 3-38 3.6.6 Platform Misc Configuration 3-39 3.6.7 Onboard Devices Configuration 3-41 3.6.8 APM Configuration 3-43 3.6.9 Network Stack Configuration 3-44 3.6.10 Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology 3-45 3.7 Monitor menu 3-46 3.8 Boot menu 3-51 3.9 Tool menu 3-57 3.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility 3-57...
User Guide
Page 5
... Update 4-12 4.4.3 USB BIOS Flashback 4-14 4.4.4 Push Notice 4-16 4.4.5 USB 3.0 Boost 4-19 4.4.6 System Information 4-20 4.4.7 USB Charger 4-22 4.4.8... Version 4-23 4.5 Turbo LAN 4-24 4.6 Audio configurations 4-25 Chapter 5: RAID support 5.1 RAID configurations 5-1 5.1.1 RAID definitions 5-1 5.1.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks 5-2 5.1.3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS 5-2 5.1.4 Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility 5-3 5.2 Installing the RAID driver during Windows® OS installation...5-7 Appendices Notices ...A-1 ASUS...
... Update 4-12 4.4.3 USB BIOS Flashback 4-14 4.4.4 Push Notice 4-16 4.4.5 USB 3.0 Boost 4-19 4.4.6 System Information 4-20 4.4.7 USB Charger 4-22 4.4.8... Version 4-23 4.5 Turbo LAN 4-24 4.6 Audio configurations 4-25 Chapter 5: RAID support 5.1 RAID configurations 5-1 5.1.1 RAID definitions 5-1 5.1.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks 5-2 5.1.3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS 5-2 5.1.4 Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility 5-3 5.2 Installing the RAID driver during Windows® OS installation...5-7 Appendices Notices ...A-1 ASUS...
User Guide
Page 10
..., ensuring both sound deliver equal quality - Absolute pitch 192khz/24bit true BD lossless sound - supports ASUS USB 3.0 Boost - 2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports at rear) and 104dB SNR recording input (Line-in) support - TUF ICe "TUF ENGINE!" Power ...!" TUF Thermal Radar 2 - certified by military-standard) - Guardian Angel - MemOK! (continued on the CPU installed. SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 specifications summary Storage Audio USB Exclusive TUF Features Intel® Z97 Express Chipset with RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 and Intel Rapid Storage Technology 13 support - 6 x SATA 6Gb/s ports ...
..., ensuring both sound deliver equal quality - Absolute pitch 192khz/24bit true BD lossless sound - supports ASUS USB 3.0 Boost - 2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports at rear) and 104dB SNR recording input (Line-in) support - TUF ICe "TUF ENGINE!" Power ...!" TUF Thermal Radar 2 - certified by military-standard) - Guardian Angel - MemOK! (continued on the CPU installed. SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 specifications summary Storage Audio USB Exclusive TUF Features Intel® Z97 Express Chipset with RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 and Intel Rapid Storage Technology 13 support - 6 x SATA 6Gb/s ports ...
User Guide
Page 11
... Keyboard & Mouse, File Transfer - ASUS Q-Shield - ASUS O.C. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 - ASUS EZ Flash 2 - Multi-language BIOS 1 x DisplayPort 1 x HDMI port 1 x Optical S/PDIF Output 1 x USB BIOS Flashback Button 1 x LAN (RJ45) port 4 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (blue, 1 supports USB BIOS Flashback) 4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports 8-channel Audio I /O Ports - ASUS Q-Slot - ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode featuring friendly graphics user interface - Disk Unlocker - SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 specifications summary Other Special Features...
... Keyboard & Mouse, File Transfer - ASUS Q-Shield - ASUS O.C. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 - ASUS EZ Flash 2 - Multi-language BIOS 1 x DisplayPort 1 x HDMI port 1 x Optical S/PDIF Output 1 x USB BIOS Flashback Button 1 x LAN (RJ45) port 4 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (blue, 1 supports USB BIOS Flashback) 4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports 8-channel Audio I /O Ports - ASUS Q-Slot - ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode featuring friendly graphics user interface - Disk Unlocker - SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 specifications summary Other Special Features...
User Guide
Page 12
...manual (by region) 1 x User's manual WfM 2.0, DMI 2.7, WOL by PME, PXE Drivers Anti-virus software (OEM version) ASUS/TUF CPU-Z ASUS Utilities ATX form factor: 12.0 in . (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm) Specifications are subject to change without notice. xii moss green...AAFP) 24-pin EATX Power connector 8-pin EATX 12V Power connector System Panel (Q-Connector) 1 x MemOK! x 9.6 in . SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 specifications summary Internal I/O connectors BIOS features Accessories Manageability Support DVD contents Form factor 2 x USB 3.0/2.0 connectors support additional 4 USB 3.0/2.0 ports (19-pin;
...manual (by region) 1 x User's manual WfM 2.0, DMI 2.7, WOL by PME, PXE Drivers Anti-virus software (OEM version) ASUS/TUF CPU-Z ASUS Utilities ATX form factor: 12.0 in . (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm) Specifications are subject to change without notice. xii moss green...AAFP) 24-pin EATX Power connector 8-pin EATX 12V Power connector System Panel (Q-Connector) 1 x MemOK! x 9.6 in . SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 specifications summary Internal I/O connectors BIOS features Accessories Manageability Support DVD contents Form factor 2 x USB 3.0/2.0 connectors support additional 4 USB 3.0/2.0 ports (19-pin;
User Guide
Page 15
... that provides twice the performance and speed of 3D graphics, multimedia and Internet applications. It natively supports up to six USB 3.0 ports for up to PCIe 1.0/2.0 devices. It provides great graphics and system performance with its GPU, dual-channel DDR3 ...™ i3, Pentium®, and Celeron® processors in multi-GPU SLI and CrossFireX™ solution, giving you a brand-new gaming enjoyment. Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-1 PCI Express® 3.0 PCI Express® 3.0 (PCIe 3.0) is a single chipset that features data transfer rates of DDR3 1866 / 1600 / 1333...
... that provides twice the performance and speed of 3D graphics, multimedia and Internet applications. It natively supports up to six USB 3.0 ports for up to PCIe 1.0/2.0 devices. It provides great graphics and system performance with its GPU, dual-channel DDR3 ...™ i3, Pentium®, and Celeron® processors in multi-GPU SLI and CrossFireX™ solution, giving you a brand-new gaming enjoyment. Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-1 PCI Express® 3.0 PCI Express® 3.0 (PCIe 3.0) is a single chipset that features data transfer rates of DDR3 1866 / 1600 / 1333...
User Guide
Page 16
...temperature sensors and fan speeds is in seconds. It combines SSD performance and hard drive capacity, operating up to six times faster than USB 2.0. 1.1.2 "Ultimate COOL" Thermal Solutions Thermal Radar 2 Thermal Radar 2 uses multiple sensors to experience the convenience of the latest plug...® Core™ processors family support Intel® Smart Response Technology. ** An operating system must be assured that monitoring of Green ASUS eco-friendly computing, reduces load and wait time, eliminates unnecessary hard drive spin thus lowering power usage, and uses an installed SSD (...
...temperature sensors and fan speeds is in seconds. It combines SSD performance and hard drive capacity, operating up to six times faster than USB 2.0. 1.1.2 "Ultimate COOL" Thermal Solutions Thermal Radar 2 Thermal Radar 2 uses multiple sensors to experience the convenience of the latest plug...® Core™ processors family support Intel® Smart Response Technology. ** An operating system must be assured that monitoring of Green ASUS eco-friendly computing, reduces load and wait time, eliminates unnecessary hard drive spin thus lowering power usage, and uses an installed SSD (...
User Guide
Page 19
... for your smart devices such as smartphones, tablets and more enjoyable home entertainment. ASUS Remote GO! Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-5 leads the way to a more , all -in sleep or hibernation mode. USB 3.0 Boost ASUS USB 3.0 Boost, which supports USB 3.0 standard UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol), significantly increases a USB device's transfer speed up to three times faster, even when the system...
... for your smart devices such as smartphones, tablets and more enjoyable home entertainment. ASUS Remote GO! Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-5 leads the way to a more , all -in sleep or hibernation mode. USB 3.0 Boost ASUS USB 3.0 Boost, which supports USB 3.0 standard UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol), significantly increases a USB device's transfer speed up to three times faster, even when the system...
User Guide
Page 23
... connector (20-1 pin TPM) Page 1-34 1-32 1-10 1-11 1-25 1-30 1-29 1-27 1-26 1-36 1-35 1-31 1-37 1-33 1-33 1-30 1-36 Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-9 USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB1112, USB1314) 13. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) 17. MemOK! Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 10. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL... 9. LGA1150 CPU socket 4. Thermal sensor connectors (T_SENSOR1, T_SENSOR2, T_ SENSOR3) 15. button 6. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V) 2. DDR3 DIMM slots 5. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_34) 7.
... connector (20-1 pin TPM) Page 1-34 1-32 1-10 1-11 1-25 1-30 1-29 1-27 1-26 1-36 1-35 1-31 1-37 1-33 1-33 1-30 1-36 Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-9 USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB1112, USB1314) 13. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) 17. MemOK! Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 10. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL... 9. LGA1150 CPU socket 4. Thermal sensor connectors (T_SENSOR1, T_SENSOR2, T_ SENSOR3) 15. button 6. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V) 2. DDR3 DIMM slots 5. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_34) 7.
User Guide
Page 38
... Definition Audio - - - - - - shared - - - Chapter 1 1-24 Chapter 1: Product introduction shared - - - shared - - - - shared - PCIe x16_3 Configuration x2 mode x4 mode PCI Express sharing mode PCIe x16_3 Rear USB 3.0_E1~E2 x2 Enabled x4 Disabled • We recommend that you provide sufficient power when running CrossFireX™ or SLI™ mode. • Connect a chassis...
... Definition Audio - - - - - - shared - - - Chapter 1 1-24 Chapter 1: Product introduction shared - - - shared - - - - shared - PCIe x16_3 Configuration x2 mode x4 mode PCI Express sharing mode PCIe x16_3 Rear USB 3.0_E1~E2 x2 Enabled x4 Disabled • We recommend that you provide sufficient power when running CrossFireX™ or SLI™ mode. • Connect a chassis...
User Guide
Page 44
...a slot opening at the back of up to 5Gbps, faster charging time for USB-chargeable devices, optimized power efficiency, and backward compatibility with USB 2.0. These connectors are based on xHCI specification. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_34) This connector allows you to install the related... driver to connect a USB 3.0 module for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port. With an installed USB 3.0 module, you can enjoy all the benefits of USB 3.0 including faster data transfer speeds of the system chassis. We...
...a slot opening at the back of up to 5Gbps, faster charging time for USB-chargeable devices, optimized power efficiency, and backward compatibility with USB 2.0. These connectors are based on xHCI specification. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_34) This connector allows you to install the related... driver to connect a USB 3.0 module for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port. With an installed USB 3.0 module, you can enjoy all the benefits of USB 3.0 including faster data transfer speeds of the system chassis. We...
User Guide
Page 45
... will damage the motherboard! Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-31 USB1314) These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately. You can connect the front panel USB cable to the ASUS Q-Connector (USB, dark brown) first, and then install the Q-Connector (USB) to 48 MBps connection speed. These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0 specification that supports up to the...
... will damage the motherboard! Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-31 USB1314) These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately. You can connect the front panel USB cable to the ASUS Q-Connector (USB, dark brown) first, and then install the Q-Connector (USB) to 48 MBps connection speed. These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0 specification that supports up to the...
User Guide
Page 61
2.1.7 Front I/O Connector To install ASUS Q-Connector HDD LED HDD LED+ HDD LED- HDD LED PWR Ground Reset Ground POWER SW RESET SW To install USB 2.0 connector To install front panel audio connector Chapter 2 USB 2.0 To install USB 3.0 connector USB 3.0 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 AAFP 2-9
2.1.7 Front I/O Connector To install ASUS Q-Connector HDD LED HDD LED+ HDD LED- HDD LED PWR Ground Reset Ground POWER SW RESET SW To install USB 2.0 connector To install front panel audio connector Chapter 2 USB 2.0 To install USB 3.0 connector USB 3.0 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 AAFP 2-9
User Guide
Page 63
... means that the BIOS updating process is not operating properly. Follow the onscreen instructions to the USB Flashback port. Chapter 2 USB BIOS Flashback button USB BIOS Flashback port For more BIOS update utilities in BIOS setup, refer to the section Updating ...contact your local ASUS Service Center. 2.2 BIOS update utility USB BIOS Flashback USB BIOS Flashback allows you to use a USB 2.0 storage device to save the latest BIOS version for better compatibility and stability. 3. Insert the USB storage device to complete the installation. 2. ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 2-11
... means that the BIOS updating process is not operating properly. Follow the onscreen instructions to the USB Flashback port. Chapter 2 USB BIOS Flashback button USB BIOS Flashback port For more BIOS update utilities in BIOS setup, refer to the section Updating ...contact your local ASUS Service Center. 2.2 BIOS update utility USB BIOS Flashback USB BIOS Flashback allows you to use a USB 2.0 storage device to save the latest BIOS version for better compatibility and stability. 3. Insert the USB storage device to complete the installation. 2. ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 2-11
User Guide
Page 64
LAN (RJ-45) port* 4. USB BIOS Flashback button 5. Bottom port supports USB BIOS Flashback and USB Charger+ 7. USB 3.0 ports E1-E2 8. 2.3 Motherboard rear and audio connections 2.3.1 Rear I /O ports** * and **: Refer to the tables on the next page for LAN port LEDs, and audio port definitions. 2-12 Chapter 2: Basic installation USB 3.0 ports 5-6, support ASUS USB 3.0 Boost. Audio I /O connection Chapter 2 Rear panel connectors 1. DisplayPort 3. USB 2.0 ports 7-10 2. HDMI port 6.
LAN (RJ-45) port* 4. USB BIOS Flashback button 5. Bottom port supports USB BIOS Flashback and USB Charger+ 7. USB 3.0 ports E1-E2 8. 2.3 Motherboard rear and audio connections 2.3.1 Rear I /O ports** * and **: Refer to the tables on the next page for LAN port LEDs, and audio port definitions. 2-12 Chapter 2: Basic installation USB 3.0 ports 5-6, support ASUS USB 3.0 Boost. Audio I /O connection Chapter 2 Rear panel connectors 1. DisplayPort 3. USB 2.0 ports 7-10 2. HDMI port 6.
User Guide
Page 65
.... • Due to the design of the Intel® 9 series chipset, all USB devices connected to wake up then steady) from S5 mode ACT/LINK SPEED LED LED LAN port ** Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel configuration Port Light Blue ... Out 8-channel Line In Front Speaker Out Mic In Center/Subwoofer Rear Speaker Out Chapter 2 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 2-13 • USB 3.0 devices can only be used as data storage only. • We strongly recommend that you connect USB 3.0 devices to USB 3.0 ports for faster and better performance for better compatibility. • Multi-VGA output supports ...
.... • Due to the design of the Intel® 9 series chipset, all USB devices connected to wake up then steady) from S5 mode ACT/LINK SPEED LED LED LAN port ** Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel configuration Port Light Blue ... Out 8-channel Line In Front Speaker Out Mic In Center/Subwoofer Rear Speaker Out Chapter 2 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 2-13 • USB 3.0 devices can only be used as data storage only. • We strongly recommend that you connect USB 3.0 devices to USB 3.0 ports for faster and better performance for better compatibility. • Multi-VGA output supports ...
User Guide
Page 70
... the reset button on the system chassis. • Press the power button to turn the system off then back on your screen. • Ensure that a USB mouse is connected to your motherboard if you do not press , POST continues with its parameters. 3.2 BIOS setup program Use the BIOS Setup to update...
... the reset button on the system chassis. • Press the power button to turn the system off then back on your screen. • Ensure that a USB mouse is connected to your motherboard if you do not press , POST continues with its parameters. 3.2 BIOS setup program Use the BIOS Setup to update...
User Guide
Page 106
...devices list. [Auto] Your system automatically detects the presence of USB devices at USB 3.0 mode when the xHCI driver is detected, the item shows None. Legacy USB Support [Enabled] [Enabled] Your system supports the USB devices in the operating system. [Smart Auto] Upon detection,... the xHCI driver supports the USB 3.0 mode during both POST and operating system. [Enabled] Enables ...
...devices list. [Auto] Your system automatically detects the presence of USB devices at USB 3.0 mode when the xHCI driver is detected, the item shows None. Legacy USB Support [Enabled] [Enabled] Your system supports the USB devices in the operating system. [Smart Auto] Upon detection,... the xHCI driver supports the USB 3.0 mode during both POST and operating system. [Enabled] Enables ...
User Guide
Page 107
... Port Control This item allows you set the PCI Express Native Power Management to enable or disable the individual USB ports. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] The following item appears only when you to [Enabled]. Mass Storage Devices [... the devices according to configure the platform-related features. Refer to enhance the power saving feature of the USB ports. 3.6.6 Platform Misc Configuration The items in the operating system. ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 3-39 Chapter 3 PCIE Native Power Management [Disabled] This item allows you to section 1.2.2 Motherboard ...
... Port Control This item allows you set the PCI Express Native Power Management to enable or disable the individual USB ports. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] The following item appears only when you to [Enabled]. Mass Storage Devices [... the devices according to configure the platform-related features. Refer to enhance the power saving feature of the USB ports. 3.6.6 Platform Misc Configuration The items in the operating system. ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 3-39 Chapter 3 PCIE Native Power Management [Disabled] This item allows you to section 1.2.2 Motherboard ...
User Guide
Page 110
... to [Enabled]. When you to enable or disable the Intel® LAN PXE (Preboot Execution Environment) option ROM. ASMedia USB 3.0 controller is disabled. The PCIex_16_3 slot runs at X2 mode. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Chapter 3 3-42 Chapter ...3: BIOS setup Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] The following item appears only when you to enable the ASMedia® USB 3.0 battery charging support of your system. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] PCI-EX16_3 Slot (black) bandwidth [Enabled] [X2 mode] [X4 mode]...
... to [Enabled]. When you to enable or disable the Intel® LAN PXE (Preboot Execution Environment) option ROM. ASMedia USB 3.0 controller is disabled. The PCIex_16_3 slot runs at X2 mode. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Chapter 3 3-42 Chapter ...3: BIOS setup Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] The following item appears only when you to enable the ASMedia® USB 3.0 battery charging support of your system. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] PCI-EX16_3 Slot (black) bandwidth [Enabled] [X2 mode] [X4 mode]...